5 people killed after 2 shootings in Appling, Georgia, suspect believed dead

APPLING, GA. — Five people died in what appeared to be a pair of domestic-related shootings in Appling, Georgia, Friday night, according to multiple media reports. Authorities believe the suspected gunman later took his own life.

The suspect was identified by WJBF as Wayne Anthony Hawes, 50.

In the early morning hours Saturday, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office told The Augusta Chronicle that it appeared the suspect had killed himself, "though they are working to identify the body."

A spokesperson with the sheriff's office told WRDW authorities responded to the suspect's home, where they found a man dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe Hawes may have attacked after he learned his wife planned to divorce him, the TV station reported.

Authorities told The Augusta Chronicle Hawes' wife was not among those shot, although some of the victims were her family members. The victims have not been publicly identified.

On Friday night the county coroner confirmed that five people were killed in a pair shootings in two locations.

According to The Augusta Chronicle, three were shot in one location and two others were shot at a nearby subdivision. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene and the fifth died on the way to the hospital.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office says they believe that this is the work of one gunman who attacked during a domestic incident.

Appling is about 20 miles northwest of Augusta.

Cox Media Group